Stockholm City Kayak Tour: Central Islands & City Hall

Paddle past Stockholm City Hall and through the archipelago with a guide

You’ll paddle through Stockholm’s central islands by kayak with a local guide leading the way. Expect close-up views of City Hall and Riddarholmen Kyrka, moments of calm near Södermalm, and glimpses of daily life on Långholmen’s canals. It’s not just sightseeing. You’ll feel part of the city’s rhythm out on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak tour of Stockholm's islands

• Meet expert guide
• Learn to paddle kayak
• Paddle past Stockholm City Hall
• View Riddarholmen Church
• Get views over Södermalm
• Circumnavigate Långholmen island
• Paddle around Reimersholme if time

The experience

Honestly, I almost bailed when I saw the kayaks lined up at the dock. They looked skinnier than I’d pictured, and the water had that cold Baltic smell. But our guide, Erik, just grinned and handed me a paddle like it was no big deal. “You’ll be fine,” he said, and somehow I believed him. The first few strokes were wobbly (I definitely splashed myself more than once), but after a minute or two, it started to feel kind of peaceful. Just the sound of paddles dipping in sync, with the city humming somewhere behind us.

We glided past Stockholm City Hall (those red bricks look even more serious from water level), and then under a low bridge where someone above waved down at us. Erik pointed out Riddarholmen Kyrka’s spire poking up behind some old boats, telling us about royal tombs in his sort of dry Swedish way. I tried to repeat “Riddarholmen” but mangled it. He laughed and didn’t correct me. Sunlight kept flickering off the waves and sometimes you’d catch a whiff of cinnamon from a bakery drifting across Gamla Stan. That was unexpected.

There was this stretch along Södermalm where everything went quiet except for a seagull yelling at nobody. We circled Långholmen too: lots of wooden boats bobbing around, some with people having coffee on deck like it was just another Tuesday. My arms were starting to feel it by then (kayaking looks easy until you’re actually doing it), but I didn’t want to stop. If there’s time, you can paddle around Reimersholme as well. We did a quick loop because someone in our group wanted to see every island possible.

I still think about that view back toward the city when we paused mid-channel, all those old buildings stacked up against the sky. It felt different seeing Stockholm from here: less postcard-perfect, more real somehow. So yeah, if you’re curious about the city but want something quieter than wandering busy streets, this kayak tour is worth getting a little wet for.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking equipment (double sea kayak, paddles, life vest), and safety gear provided by your experienced local guide. On winter tours (4h), you also get a drysuit with gloves plus an outdoor sandwich and warm drink before heading back ashore.

Options for this experience

2 options

Summer tour, standard 2-hour optionGuide in English · Available from 24 Apr 2027Double kayak, lasting 2 hours. Departure from Pipersgatan 45, 112 28 Stockholm, Sweden

Winter kayak tour lasting 4 hoursGuide in English · 09:00 and 14:004h Winter Kayak Tour: During winter, we equip you fully with drysuits, pogies and gloves, and you get to enjoy the calm waters of Lake Mälaren. Lasts 4 hours, with an outdoor sandwich and a warm drink, in a double kayak. Departure from Kungsbro strand 21, 112 26 Stockholm, Sweden

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (12 to 15 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Stockholm Adventures ICEguide

Is this one for you?Book the 2-hour summer tour if you want a quick introduction to kayaking and the city's main landmarks. Choose the 4-hour winter option if you're ready for a longer paddle with a meal and thermal gear included.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 15 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Stockholm City Kayak Tour?

The tour lasts either 2 hours (summer) or 4 hours (winter), depending on your booking.

Is previous kayaking experience needed?

No experience is required. Beginners are welcome and instruction is provided before departure.

What landmarks will I see during the kayak tour?

You’ll pass Stockholm City Hall, Riddarholmen Kyrka, Gamla Stan, Södermalm, Långholmen, and possibly Reimersholme.

Are kayaks single or double?

The tour uses double sea kayaks for stability and ease.

Is equipment included in the price?

Yes, all necessary equipment including paddles, life vest, safety gear (and drysuit/gloves for winter tours) is included.

Are food or drinks provided?

An outdoor sandwich and warm drink are included only on the 4-hour winter tour.

What should I bring for the kayak tour?

It’s recommended to bring water, long sleeves, sun hat/sunglasses, rain gear and spare dry clothes in case you get wet.

Is there an age limit for participants?

The minimum age is 12 years for summer tours and 15 years for winter tours.